Usage Of a Drain Snake
At some point, you may have an inevitable clog in your kitchen sink or shower drain. It can be frustrating and inconvenient to get the plumbing back in order. However, getting rid of these clogs doesn’t require expert help — you too can become an expert with the right tools and methods.
A drain snake is one of the most important tools you need for home improvement. By learning how to use a drain snake, you can effectively remove debris from your shower and drain yourself.
But how do you use a drain snake? Follow this step-by-step guide on how to weave a drain to become an expert.
What is a Drain Snake?
One of the most important tools for installing drains is the drain snake. Also known as a plumber’s snake, a manual drain snake is a 25-foot flexible steel cable usually reserved for unclogging drains that cannot be unclogged with a plunger.
There are different types of drain snakes on the market, each suited to different clogs and plumbing jobs. For tub and sink drains, a hand drill is the best type of snake drain. Although hand drills aren’t great for removing clogs from toilets, they are more useful for removing dirt from sinks and tubs.
How Does These Drain Snake Work?
If you can’t unclog the drain with a plunger, your next step is to use a hand drill. A hand drill consists of a drum and a strong cord with a pigtail end that is run down a drain to break up the clog.
When the drain auger is wound down the drain, the snake’s corkscrew end removes any hair or debris it encounters. The coil catches the dirt so it doesn’t go further down the drain and cause a bigger clog.
How to Use a Drain Snake - Step by Step
Learn how to use your manual drain snake by following this guide:
1. Prepare Yourself
Unclogging your drains can be messy! Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and rubber gloves. Also, be prepared to use a garbage bag or trash can to dispose of the dirt that the drain auger pulls up.
2. Remove Sink Stopper or Shower Grate
If you need to know how to use a kitchen sink drain snake, you must first remove the sink plug if you have one. Once removed, insert the wire rope from the auger down the sink drain.
If you want to learn how to use a drain snake for a shower drain plug here, first remove the metal or plastic screen that usually covers a shower drain opening. These grilles are usually attached with simple screws and can be removed with a screwdriver. Remove any hair or soap residue stuck to the grate and insert the drain hose spiral.
3. Crank the Handle of the Drain Snake
Once the cable is in the drain, slowly begin to rotate the drain snake handle. This propels the cable forward and twists the end of the corkscrew to loosen the clogs.
As you slide the cord through the P-trap, the U-shaped piece of pipe under the sink, you may encounter friction and resistance. In this case, push the cable while slowly turning the pay-off spool. A few twists will help the cable maneuver around bends in the pipe.
4. Remove Cable
Once you’ve fought your way through the pipes, remove the cable from the drain. When you put it in the drum, wipe the cord to keep it clean. When the end of the corkscrew comes out, clean up any debris and throw it in the trash (don’t throw it down the drain!).
You can check your drains by running hot tap water and seeing how well the drain drains. If it drains slowly, you may need to snake the drain again.
The same goes for shower drains; Run the shower to see how well the shower drain drains the water.
5. How to Snake a Drain With a Stubborn Clog
If your sink clog isn’t responding to the auger, you may need to remove the siphon. To do this, place a bucket under the siphon to prevent water from the siphon from splashing onto the floor. Use a pipe wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the slip bus at the end of the P-trap.
Once these are removed, insert the drain snake into the pipe leading to the wall and drill. Next, assemble the P-Siphon and run hot tap water to flush the drain.
6. Clean the Drain Snake
To properly care for your drain snake, it is important to clean it after use. Wipe the cable when you put it back in the drum and clean the end of the corkscrew. You can also rinse the used cable when it comes out of the drain and then let it air dry before putting it back in the drum.
When to Call a Professional?
Don’t worry if a snake won’t go down the tub drain or if a P-trap is seriously clogged. Some clogs are too difficult to treat with just a drain snake. If the job is beyond your DIY knowledge or skills, there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s why there are plumbers in the first place. If plunging and snaking don’t seem to be giving you positive results, it may be time to call a professional plumber.
For a fast, reliable and professional cleaning service, contact Wirenut Drain Cleaning Pros Colorado Springs immediately.